This bill proposes to exempt community gardens that utilize on-site composting systems or other methods for managing organic waste from the requirement to obtain certain permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Specifically, the exemption applies to permits required under the "Solid Waste Management Act," the "New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act," the "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)," and the "Water Pollution Control Act." To qualify for this exemption, community gardens must adhere to specific conditions, including a limit of 200 gallons of source-separated food waste per week, with larger gardens allowed to accept more based on their size. Additionally, all compost produced must be used on-site or may be given away or sold in compliance with DEP regulations.

The bill defines a community garden as any publicly or privately owned land cultivated by local community members. It also clarifies the definitions of "food waste" and "source separated" as per existing law. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.